Featured photos

Canada got the last hurrah at the Celebration of Light Saturday evening, closing the three-night event with a winning display. Canada was declared the winner of the event, with Brazil and China finishing second and third, respectively.

Vancouver Canucks’ Jannik Hansen suspended one game for head hit on Blackhawks star Marian Hossa

Winger won’t see Stars Thursday night in Dallas

In this photo made using a fisheye lens, Vancouver Canucks right wing Jannik Hansen (36), from Denmark, battles Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Johnny Oduya, from Sweden, for a loose puck as Chicago Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews (19) enters the play during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013 in Chicago.

Photograph by: Charles Rex Arbogast
, AP

DALLAS — Vancouver Canucks winger Jannik Hansen has been suspended for one game for his hit on Chicago forward Marian Hossa on Tuesday night.

The NHL released its decision late Wednesday afternoon.

Hansen will miss Thursday night's game in Dallas against the Stars (5;30 p.m., Sportsnet Pacific, Team 1040). Based on his average annual salary, Hansen will forfeit $7,297.30. That money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Hansen collided with Hossa in the neutral zone at 1:10 of the third period. His elbow and forearm made contact with the back of Hossa's head as both players reached into the air to bat down a puck. He received a roughing minor on the play. Hossa, who has a history with concussions, left the game and did not return.

"While it might be true that Hansen initially reaches up to play the puck in the air, he changes the position of his arm and delivers a sharp, careless forearm to the back of Hossa's head," NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said in a video explaining his decision.

"Although it's true that both players initially had their hands open as the puck approaches, Hossa maintains an open palm throughout. Hansen, on the other hand, has closed his hand and has a closed fist. He also does not extend his arm until after Hossa has made contact with the puck.

"While all of this may occur at a split second, we feel that the carelessness and force of which the blow was delivered elevate the incident to the level of supplemental discipline."

The Canucks had argued that the hit was a "hockey play" and coach Alain Vigneault had maintained it did not even deserve a penalty.

Hansen had a phone hearing with Shanahan right after the Canucks practised early Wednesday afternoon in Dallas.

Vigneault, general manager Mike Gillis, the NHLPA and Hansen's agent also participated on the conference call.

"I told Brendan Shanahan what I thought about the decision and I have nothing else to say,” said Gillis afterwards.

Speaking before the decision was announced, Vigneault once again made it clear he did not think the incident deserved a hearing.

"I don't even know why we had the call," Vigneault said.

Asked if he had offered that opinion to Shanahan during the call, Vigneault said: "Very clearly, very clearly."

Hansen had little to say after the hearing.

"The hearing went fine, we are awaiting word on it and that's where it is right now," he said.

The Blackhawks had the day off Wednesday and no update on Hossa's condition was provided.

In his video, Shanahan said he took into account that Hansen had no previous disciplinary history with the NHL.

In this photo made using a fisheye lens, Vancouver Canucks right wing Jannik Hansen (36), from Denmark, battles Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Johnny Oduya, from Sweden, for a loose puck as Chicago Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews (19) enters the play during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013 in Chicago.

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.